2000 Volkswagen Beetle: engine overheating

Filed Sep 22, 2015 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen beetle. While driving at 15 MPH, there was a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt and the motor mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Aug 15, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 95,600 miles · FL

The transmission mechanically failed on 3 june 2013. Prior to it failing I had taken the vehicle to three different vw repair shop over a four year period, due to the car suddenly downshifting all the way to first gear. The car will drive normally for about 30 minutes, then start having this downshifting issue, I pull over and let the car cool a few minutes then all is normal again for a short period of time. Of course with the downshifting the tranny tends to overheat quickly. I wanted to get the oil changed in the tranny, but all repair centers said, "it's a sealed system and never needs and oil change;" also the vw repair techs test drove the car and analyzed it, could find nothing wrong. My experience with vw service on everything is, their mechanics are parts changers only and don't have any real diagnostic capability to find the problem, just replace parts until they fix the problem at the customers expense; I've spent about $10,000 on repairs for A/C, brakes, transmission, etc. Finally, the car failed fortunately across the street from a mr. Transmission shop. Per mr. Transmission specialist, the tranny failed due to lubrication failure probably from over heating and high mileage; so much for the "never needs an oil change policy." mr. Transmission rebuilt the tranny (out $3400), and state the problem is electrical not the transmission, and vw is famous for electrical issues and always have been. Needless to say mr. Transmission has not been able to find the problem, and they have rebuilt the tranny twice just to make sure the problem is not in the transmission. Word to the wise, never buy a vw; I'll never own another one.

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Engine · AL

The A/C quite working while driving, once it was parked it turned cool for a minute or two then went hot again. We took it for A/C check, all was fine for about 5 miles then it went hot again. The next day took it to the dealer, just before we got there the temp gauge came on. The dealer found the water pump, thermostat, and timing belt needed to be replaced due to overheating. The problem is the light didn't come until the damage was already done.

Filed Aug 27, 2005 · Engine · 60,000 miles · PA

The car overheated and the temperature lights came on. I was able to get the automobile to a service station. The problem was diagnosed as a defective water pump. The mechanic found the blades to the fan lying on the engine. He had to replace the water pump with parts ordered from volkswagen. The mechanic was astonished at the plastic parts used by volkswagen. There was only 60,000 miles on this vehicle.

Filed Jul 4, 2005 · Airbags, Engine · 80,000 miles · NJ

Cooling system failed causing the original overheating. The car has continued to peridodically overheat since. The car was fully repaired from the first incident and has been in for repair many times since. Now there are several failures with the car.

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · CA

2000 vw new beetle ignition swtich - thousands of failures with documented photographic proof of overheated wiring burning through insulation within steering column. Fire hazard! My switch went back in the middle of the arizona desert. No headlights, no windshield wipers, no horn, no A/C, no turn signals, no fog lights, no rear defroster. Main concern is no headlights, and risk of fire obviously. Vw of america is aware of the problem across many models, and dealers have warned that cars are 'un-driveable' due to fire risk when problem surfaces. Vwoa refuses to replace or recall switches. Ignition swith requires replacment.

Filed Feb 4, 2004 · Electrical · GA

Check engine light has been on more often than not since 22,000 miles. On 8/28/01 o2 sensor replaced by dealer (#1). On 1/20/03 dealer (#3) told me that engine wiring harness needed to be replaced for an estimated cost to owner of $1306.25. Car brought to nondealer and repaired for $36.00, albeit temporarily. Incidentally dealer had completely run down battery, requiring replacement. On 5/8/03 car brought to dealer (#4) for overheating due to a puncture in oil pan, though owner was not aware of hitting anything. Of course engine light had been on and temperature sensor was replaced at that time. Again incidentally temperature light came on within 5 miles of dealership after oil pan had been "fixed". On 1/15/04 owner is not able to pass emissions testing and therefore not able to renew registration of vehicle because check engine light is on. On that day, vacuum leak was repaired but light returned within 24 hours. On 1/21/04 a hose in air injection system was replaced but light returned within 24 hours. Mechanic has now refused to continue working on the car. Do yourself a favor - never even consider for a moment buying a vw!! This is the worst car that I or anyone I've ever known has owned. Vw service is atrocious as well. They are incompetent, irresponsible and rude to boot. The fact that vw will not provide a rental car, especially when car is still under warrenty and problems occur that have known technical service bulletins, is absolutely unacceptable, particularly in light of all the problems that these cars pose. See additional problems that owner has experienced under "other".

Filed May 30, 2000 · Engine · DC

Temperature gauge warning light broke and reservoir tank sensor failed causing vehicle to overheat. Nlm